The Hokitika area is in the centre of the West Coast and lies between Arthurs Pass, Hokitika; the Taramakau River in the north and Waitaha River in the south. There is about 200,000 ha of public conservation land within this area that includes part of Arthurs Pass National Park, many small reserves and large areas of stewardship land.
Conservation areas are mostly forested with many wetlands and lowland hill country areas west of the Alpine fault and larger river systems east of the Alpine fault. Many of these rivers have gorges in their lower reaches and alpine basins in the headwaters. Most valleys have maintained walking track access and there are plenty of backcountry huts but a few remote places do not have tracks, footbridges or huts.
Hunting for red deer, goats, chamois and feral pigs is popular throughout much of the Area. Most species have a preferred hunting season.
The climate is wet at times with over 3000mm of rain each year with westerly winds predominating. In winter several falls of snow can be expected that blanket the tops and upper forests. Spring to autumn is mild with regular spells of fine weather.
Location
SH73 provides the main access from Canterbury to the coast and SH6 traverses the area north and south.